Hey all, I'm new to triathlon training, and I was wondering if, as the title says, there are any good supplements that will help with gaining swimming strength, but that won't hurt my running. I run competitively, so I'm not sure if I should use creatine because of the added water weight that it tends to add. My upper body was stronger/bigger when I used to swim competitively, but I've lost some size/weight when I began running. I'd just like to add some lean muscle so that I will be a more efficient swimmer, without negatively affecting my running. Any suggestions?

Subject:RE: Supplement to help swimming strength, but not hurt running?

Not into supplements, and anyway, nothing but illegal stuff would probably build muscle on my scrawny excuse for a body, but....I'd suggest that swimming more will pretty much do the trick as far as strength. For extra strength, assuming you have good form and aren't going to hurt yourself doing so, build in some sets with paddles, and throw in some fly and IM work to develop a bigger range of muscles than you'd get from just doing freestyle. My master's coach has me do a bunch of that as my swims usually involve going against current at some point. I'm 5'7" and about 115 pounds. In my first Oly a couple of buff women asked me if I could handle the swim. (1500m in rather choppy surf.) Yes, no problem. I beat all but one of them. I'm rarely the first woman out of the water, but I'm usually in the top six or so, and usually the best in my AG. I can outswim and outlift a lot of more muscular women, and men.

Yes, the bigger, stronger people have some advantage in swim sprints, and perhaps in the "washing machine" at the start. But distance swimming is much more about technique and training. Many triathletes learned to swim as adults and both their technique and comfort level with open water leave a lot to be desired, so if you have a swim background, you're already ahead on those. Start strategically to avoid getting mowed over by the big guys, and you'll come on strong at the end and mow them down on the run.

If you're still worried about building muscle, rather than supplements, you might look at your diet to make sure you're getting enough protein. Taking in some protein (any kind, doesn't need to be a special supplement, could be a peanut butter sandwich) after a hard workout is supposed to be useful.

Subject:RE: Supplement to help swimming strength, but not hurt running?

Originally posted by Hot Runner

Not into supplements, and anyway, nothing but illegal stuff would probably build muscle on my scrawny excuse for a body, but....I'd suggest that swimming more will pretty much do the trick as far as strength. For extra strength, assuming you have good form and aren't going to hurt yourself doing so, build in some sets with paddles, and throw in some fly and IM work to develop a bigger range of muscles than you'd get from just doing freestyle. My master's coach has me do a bunch of that as my swims usually involve going against current at some point. I'm 5'7" and about 115 pounds. In my first Oly a couple of buff women asked me if I could handle the swim. (1500m in rather choppy surf.) Yes, no problem. I beat all but one of them. I'm rarely the first woman out of the water, but I'm usually in the top six or so, and usually the best in my AG. I can outswim and outlift a lot of more muscular women, and men.

Yes, the bigger, stronger people have some advantage in swim sprints, and perhaps in the "washing machine" at the start. But distance swimming is much more about technique and training. Many triathletes learned to swim as adults and both their technique and comfort level with open water leave a lot to be desired, so if you have a swim background, you're already ahead on those. Start strategically to avoid getting mowed over by the big guys, and you'll come on strong at the end and mow them down on the run.

If you're still worried about building muscle, rather than supplements, you might look at your diet to make sure you're getting enough protein. Taking in some protein (any kind, doesn't need to be a special supplement, could be a peanut butter sandwich) after a hard workout is supposed to be useful.

X2

Endurance sport is not strength limited. Swim lots and you'll build all the muscle you need.